Rocco
The City of Brotherly Love has long been a destination for history buffs, foodies, and party-goers alike.
Known for its iconic Philly cheesesteaks and famous landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philadelphia also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.
I’ll share my top nightlife picks, from cozy dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges.
If you’re hoping to discover fun places to go out, check out my list of the best bars in Philadelphia below!
Tattooed Mom
530 South St, Philadelphia, PA 1914
Phone: (215) 238-9880
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Tattooed Mom is one of the most fun places to get drinks in Philly due to the eclectic decor, hipster vibes, and lively, friendly atmosphere.
I love heading to this bar, located outside of Society Hill, with a small group of friends to relax, eat cheesesteaks, and make silly conversations about the toys and little gadgets they have displayed across the bar.
Coming into this bar truly feels like you’re transforming into a kid again, and in this way, all your worries fade away, ensuring a fun, silly night!
Standard Tap
901 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 238-0630
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Standard Tap is one of my favorite gastropubs because of its multi-level floors, local beer options on the menu, and convenient location in Fishtown near Fillmore.
If anyone were to tell me they didn’t like Standard Tap, I would be very alarmed because the bartenders are some of the friendliest in town, the food and drinks are incredibly delicious, and the space is so warm and pleasant – especially the open-air deck upstairs.
Go see it for yourself, and order a Lavender Paloma or Mainstay Poplay pilsner off the happy hour menu while you’re there!
R&D Cocktail Bar
1206 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 515-3452
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R&D is a trendy, chic cocktail bar also located in Fishtown, near The Fillmore and Rivers Casino Philadelphia.
I appreciate so many things about this bar, including the sleek, contemporary design, the creative and talented bartenders, and the innovative small plates.
I highly recommend ordering a burger and a Paloma Milk Punch for the perfect combination.
Hop Sing Laundromat
1029 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 629-0444
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If you’re wondering where to get a drink with meticulously handmade cocktails and a classy, speakeasy, old-school feel, look no further than Hop Sing Laundromat, located near Vine Street Park.
Hop Sing is undoubtedly one of the best bars in Philadelphia for date nights because of its cozy, low-lit, intimate feel, swanky vibes, and intricate attention to detail.
There’s also a dress code, which gives you an excuse to finally wear those seductive heels or that trendy button-up.
Le Caveau
614 S 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
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Le Caveau, close to Cianfrani Park in the Society Hill area, is another fantastic option for a date night or a close friend gathering.
This wine bar has a quaint and cozy yet unpretentious vibe, serving an array of delicious reds and whites but also offering French hot dogs!
I recommend bringing a few of your closest friends here to sip on wine and chit-chat for hours.
Plus, they have a great Cabernet Franc, which is my favorite.
Monk’s Café
264 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 545-7005
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Monk’s Café is an excellent restaurant and bar and is perfect for those who adore Belgian-style beer, which should be everyone, in my opinion!
You can get excellent craft ales alongside tasty, fresh mussels, making it a great spot for casual, friend dinners.
I’m not much of a Mussels fan myself, but I can’t resist the Hill Farmstead Mosaic IPA.
Plus, there’s plenty of other delicious food on the menu as well, like a pulled pork sandwich or a duck confit.
Friday Saturday Sunday
261 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 546-4232
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Friday Saturday Sunday is a cherished local bar and restaurant where you can get drinks and hang out on the ground floor and walk upstairs for dinner if you want the full food menu.
Located outside Logan Square near The Rosenbach historical museum, this bar serves some of the most impressive cocktails in the city.
I recommend ordering the Blurred Line, with Nicaraguan rum and grapefruit, or the Velveteen Sour, with blended scotch and chocolate bitters.
Fortunately, it’s also open on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so you’re not confined to those beloved weekend days!
Philadelphia Distilling
25 E Allen St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 671-0346
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Philadelphia Distilling, located near Punch Line Philly in the Northern Liberties area, is undoubtedly a craft cocktail lover’s dream!
They use in-house spirits to make fabulous concoctions, and taking a tour there is a fun way of learning about how these spirits are made.
Most of their drinks are gin-based, so if you hate the taste of gin, this bar might not be the best option for you.
But if you want to give gin another chance, Philadelphia Distilling is the best place to do so!
Bob and Barbara’s Lounge
1509 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 545-4511
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Bob and Barbara’s Lounge is one of the most fun places to go out in the city, as it’s known for its cheap “beer-and-a-shot ” special, which unsurprisingly gets the crowd quite lively and energized!
I love that deal, of course, but I also appreciate the live jazz music, drag shows, and other entertainment forms that get the crowd buzzing.
I usually go there for a cheap, fun night and stick with PBR and Jim Beam.
This lounge proved that you don’t have to pay much for a great night!
American Sardine Bar
1800 Federal St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 334-2337
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American Sardine Bar is a hip and slightly quirky gastropub near the Chew Playground.
This bar is known for its delicious sandwiches and craft beer, the perfect combination for a satisfying weekend meal.
I like to go here with friends to enjoy the outdoor seating on nice days, split some onion rings, chow down a cheesesteak, and enjoy a tasty, cold craft beer like the Two Roads Lushee Sour.
Johnny Brenda’s
1201 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 739-9684
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Johnny Brenda’s is among the most popular spots for casual, upbeat, hipster vibes and excellent indie rock live music.
I appreciate that their food is seasonal, meaning that the menu is always changing, you can try something new every time you go, and they take a sustainable approach.
I also appreciate their wide selection of local craft beer on tap, as well as trendy cocktails.
It’s located near Rivers Casino, so it’s pretty easy to get to.
Franky Bradley’s
1320 Chancellor St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 735-0735
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Frank Bradleys, located near the 12/13th & Locust metro station, is a hip, trendy American bar and restaurant known for serving classic cocktails in a kitschy-decorated space.
The cocktails and draft beer are the main reason to go, in my opinion, but they do have a pretty extensive food menu.
You can choose from a long list of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and entrees.
The staff is friendly, and it’s the perfect place to take your artsy friends.
a.bar
1737 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 825-7035
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If you’re near Rittenhouse Square and craving a well-crafted cocktail, don’t miss the opportunity to go to a.bar, a sleek, straightforward cocktail bar with talented bartenders.
I often give specific recommendations for bars, but that’s hard to do here because everything on the food and drink menu is defined.
Plus, the staff is kind and knowledgeable, so I recommend telling them what you like and letting them choose for you if you’re stuck.
Fountain Porter
1601 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
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Fountain Porter, between Passyunk Square and East Passyunk Crossing, is a no-frills bar with familiar, welcoming vibes.
Things feel very simple when I go to Fountain Porter.
I know I will have a great selection of high-quality craft beer, and I’m not bombarded and overwhelmed by a huge food, wine, or extensive cocktail menu.
I can have a burger or a snack on the side to keep me full while trying out what I came here for – the beer!
Bar-Ly Chinatown
101 N 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 922-2688
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Another beer-focused bar in Philly that I appreciate is Bar-ly, in Chinatown, close to the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
This energetic sports bar offers a great atmosphere, and although it seems like your average sports bar at first, it’s not in Chinatown for no reason!
The pub fare is a mix of both American and Asian-inspired eats, from fries and chicken wings to pho and sushi!
SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club
600 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 600-0220
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If you’re a huge whiskey-head, head to SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club, a live music bar with a deep, extensive whiskey list that’ll make a whiskey buff salivate.
In addition to sipping on your favorite smokey liquor and listening to smooth jazz, you’ll likely appreciate the delicious southern fare here.
The deviled eggs and blue crab are my favorites, but you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu!
Frankford Hall
1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 634-3338
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Frankford Hall, located near the Fillmore and right by Johnny Brenda’s, mentioned earlier in this list, is a highly-rated German restaurant and bar.
I love hanging out with friends in the German-style “Biergarten,” drinking tasty German beer, and eating sausages, pretzels, and more.
Having been to Germany, it sort of felt like I was transported back there!
With so many amazing bars in Philadelphia, it’s hard to pick just a few.
But from classic speakeasies to modern rooftop lounges, these are my top picks to cover a variety of preferences!
Don’t miss the best bars in Philadelphia on your next visit.
And if you have a favorite bar or two I missed, let us know in the comments below!
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